This document is from Jean Church’s research.

Obituaries

From Minutes of

Primitive Baptist Association

Held with Oak Level Church

Wilkes Co. N. C.

October 21 1nd 22, 1927

Brown

Sarah Jane Brown was born August 6, 1867. Died August 3, 1927. She professed religion in early life and joined the church at Liberty Grove. In November 1894, she moved her membership to Center church and was a faithful member until death. She was married to James Presley Brown on July 26, 1890. To this union were born eight children. She left a husband and five children to mourn their loss.

Lyons

Mary Lyons, whose maiden name was Pruitt, was born November 3, 1866. Died May 19, 1927. Age 60 years 6 months and 16 days. She married To M. A. Lyons in 1889. Unto this union were born five children, four boys and one girl. She professed a hope and joined the church at Rachel about 42 years ago. She was one of the constitutional members of Round Hill church, where she remained a faithful member until death.
Asleep in Jesus, Blessed Sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep_
Mary L. Lyons

Miles

Lura Ella Gentry was born October 17, 1871. She was married to George A. Miles April 17, 1892. To this union were born five children, one girl Mrs. Harrison Royal, of Miles, NC: 4 boys, Charlie of Traphill; Walter W. of Champion; Major W. and Kelly G.. of Miles, NC, who with the husband and seven grandchildren survive. She professed a hope in Christ about 1891, and united with Liberty Knob church, where she remained a consistent member until death called her home November the 8, 1926. She rarely ever missed a church service at her home church, elsewhere when there was not a service at her home church each Sunday. She was a friend to all her acquintances and was ever ready to lend a helping hand in time of trouble or need. As a mother, wife and friend words were not found to express her worth. The loss to the husband, family, church and community cannot be told in words; neither can her reward in the world to come be so expressed. Funeral services were conducted by Elders A. McKnight and Ford Walker, after which her body was laid to rest at the old Woodruff church, where her father, mother and brother and sisters were already sleeping.
Up in glory, ‘tis a wonderus story;
Enjoying heavenly rest.
I see none other than my dear mother
Leaning on the Savior’ breast.
She was so week, could barely speak,
Her body filled with pain.
To comfort her, we all did stir,
But still her mind was much resigned,
And she did to us say;
Twill be such rest, when I am blest,
I cannot want to stay.
Both day and night, to do just right
Has been my great aim.
If some mistake is in my wake,
I am now not to blame.
Such glorious thought to me is brought
As the future now unfurls.
You cannot see what it is to me,
The thought of changing worlds.
The doctor could do me no good;
Should he my time prolong;
‘Twill be more pain, while I remain.
I know I can’t be wrong.
Prepare to meet me where life is sweet,
And death can never come.
Then breathed her last and sweetly passed
To her eternal home.
Since she has left us bereft,
Without a mother dear;
We’ll do our best to earn rest
Where cometh not a fear.
Through second birth, while here on earth
Walk straight the narrow way.
And when we’ve trod after Moma’s God,
Meet her at the judgement day. Then be at rest with all the blest
Where Christ our Master stands.
To have no fears and shed no tears
In the house not made with hands.
___C. M.

Perry

Elizabeth Perry, whose maiden name was Royal was born May 27, 1838. Died Aug 1, 1927. Age 89 years, 2 month and 5 days. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the church at old Meadow Fork. After moving from there to other places she united with Antioch Church, where she remained a Consistent member till death. She was a sister in deed, a friend to help in times of need. Her burial services were conducted by Elder T. J. Royal, and her body was laid to rest in the presence of many sorrowing friends and relatives.

Pruitt

Hardin Marcus Pruitt was born April 14, 1860, died February 4, 1927. He married Margaret Bryant and unto them were born eleven children, ten of whom are now living. He joined round Hill church in 1908 and lived a consistent member till death.

Wood

H. A. Wood, locally known as “Tease” was born September 28, 1843, died October 10, 19 18. He was married to Nancy Poplin about the year 1866, and to this union were born eight children, four now living. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Roaring River church about forty-five years ago, but later moved his membership, becoming a member of Liberty Knob church at its constitution, where his Membership remained until death. He was and industrious big-hearted citizen, a bold and courageous helper in the church work, and was faithful in filling his church seat on church meeting days.
He is gone from his labor,
Gone from his home and neighbor,
After a toil of long years.
From a life of pain and tears
To an eternal reward,
In the presence of the Lord.

Wood

Nancy Wood, whose maiden name was Poplin was born 18 June 1843. Died July 9, 1927. She was married to H. A. Wood about sixty-one years ago. She was the mother of eight children. Four are now living. She professed a hope in Christ many years ago and united with Roaring River church, but later and became a constitutional member of Liberty Knob church, where she remained a member till death called her away. She was much devoted to her home and church.
Dear mother is gone, how sad! How Sad!
While we pass through the cycle of years;
Children look Heaven-ward and be glad.
She is beyond all her toils and tears,
Strive to meet her, and long it won’t be,
Till the veil will be separated
And you the Heavenly beauties see,
In the mansions of the departed.
Written by G. W. Miles.

Sixty-second Annual Session

Held with
Zion Church, Wilkes County, N. C.
October 24 and 25, 1930

Smith

Martha E. Royall Smith was born July the 15th 1861 and departed this life August 5th 1930.Age Sixty nine years, twenty-one days. She was married to Thomas B, Smith August 19, 1878, and unto this union were born one child, Mr. Ray v. Smith, now living. She professed a hope in Christ about fifty years ago, and united with the Woodruff Baptist church, but later moved her membership to Liberty Knob church, where her membership remained until death. She was a faithful and affectionate wife, a pious devoted mother, a model church member. She was industrious, kind and noble in her home and in her community, and in her conservative, yet um compromising adherence to the higher ideals of Christian life, Sunshine and gladness were spread in the pathway of a wide circle of friends__ to know her, meant to love her.

Holloway

Daniel H. Holloway was born October 27, 1837, died June 14, 1930. Age 92 years, 7 months and 17 days. He was married to Martha Prevette about 1855. To this union were born eight children, seven are living. He professed a hope in Christ and united with Roaring River church, later he procured a letter and became a constitutional member of Garden Creek church where he remained a consistent member till death.

Cox

Dewey Cox was born April 23, 1900. Died August 14, 1930. Age 30 years, 3 months and 25 days. He married Effie Sexton Feb. 4, 1920. Unto this union were born four children, two are living. He professed hope in Christ and joined Union Baptist church in 1925, where he remained till death.

Weep not dear father and mother, for I trust you loss will be my eternal gain.

John H. Cox was born Oct. 10, 1863. Died Sept. 19, 1929. Age 65 years, 11 months and 21 days. He first married to Nancy Ashburn, to this union were born two children. Later in life he married Emma Simmons. Unto this union were born eight children. Four boys and 4 girls, all are living. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Elk Spur church but later procured a letter and joined Union Baptist church, where he remained a consistent member till death.

Nelson

Bertha Royall Nelson was born Jan. 5, 1902. Died Dec 29. 1929. Age 27 years, 11 months and 24 days. Was married to Millard Nelson June 12, 1919. To this union were born five children, three are living. She professed a hope in Christ and joined Friendship Baptist church in early life. Later moving her membership to Antioch where she remained a faithful member till death.

Barlow

Minnie E. Barlow, whose maiden name was burke, was born Feb. 16, 1884. Died Feb. 6, 1930. Age 45 years, 11 months and 26 days. She was married to John A. Barlow April 14, 1903. To this union were born 10 children. 8 are living. She professed a hope in Christ in early life and joined Chestnut Grove church and lived a consecrated member. About four years ago she moved her membership to Center Baptist church, at which she was a faithful member till death.

Felts

James Newton Felts was born April 30, 1848. Died Jan. 39, 1930, being 81 years, 8 months and 20 days of age. Was married to Celia Anne Johnson. To this union were born 7 children, six are living. He professed a hope in Christ at age 30, and joined Covenant Baptist church. Later he procured a letter and became a constitutional member of Round Mountain Baptist church where he lived a consecrated member till death.

Celia Johnson Felts was born July 8, 1847. Died 11 Oct. 193 0, being 83 years, 3 months and 3 days old. She converted and joined Covenant Baptist church about the age of 24 years, later moved her membership to Round Mountain where she lived a devoted Christian till death.

Obituaries

Sixty-Third Annual Session

Primitive Baptist Association

Held With
Union Hill Baptist Church
Surry Co. N. C.
October 23 and 24 1931

Alexander

Freeland H. Alexander was born March 2, 1847, and departed this life May 22, 1928, making his stay on earth 81 years, 1 month and 19 days. He was married to Sarah Spicer Aug. 20, 1876. Unto this union were born six children, one of which preceded him in death 2 Jan. 1888. He professed a hope in Christ several years ago and joined the church at Double Creek (Wilkes CO. NC) in Nov. 1917, and lived a consistent member till death.

A devoted husband, a loving father and a kind friend is gone.

The Lord has called me and I must go, my life is ended, my toil and suffering is over, so I bid all adieu. A voice from that heavenly shore called and he silently crossed over the river and entered home with the blest.

Absher

Presley Absher was born June 1849. Died Feb. 20 1931. He leaves one daughter to mourn her loss. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Cane Creek Baptist Church (Wilkes Co. NC) Nov .21, 1899, where he lived a faithful member until death.

Brown

James M. Brown was born Nov. 17, 1855, died Jan. 27, 1931, being 75 years, 2 months, and 10 days old. He was married to Roxie J. Warren in Oct 1875. Unto this union were born 10 children, 6 of whom are now living.
A precious one from us is gone;
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in the home
Which can never be filled.

Brown

Hardin Brown was born May 9, 1863. Died Feb. 8, 1931. Age 67 years, 8 months and 29 days. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Zion Baptist church (Wilkes Co. NC) in 1888, where he lived a faithful member until death. He leaves a brother, sister and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, but we trust our loss is his eternal gain.

Burcham

Mattie Jane Burcham, whose maiden name was DeBorde, was born 21 Jan. 1891. Died Feb. 6, 1931, making her stay on earth 20 years and 15 days. She professed a hope in Christ in early life and Joined Traphill Baptist church, (Wilkes Co. NC) later moved his membership to Roaring River, (Wilkes Co. NC) later to Rachel Baptist church (Wilkes Co. NC) where she lived a faithful member till death. She was married to Curtis C. Burcham in Nov 1913, and to this union were born one son, Lance DeBord Burcham.
Thou art gone, our precious darling,
Nevermore can thou return;
Thou shalt sleep a peaceful slumber
Till the resurrection morning.

Dowell

Sarah Ann Dowell, whose maiden name was alexander, was born March 5, 1866. Died Oct. 15, 1931. Age 65 years, 7 months and10 days. She professed a hope in Christ and united with Bethany Baptist Church (Wilkes Co. NC) March 4th Saturday in 1887, where her membership remained till death. She was first married to Eli Blackburn, who died in 1888. She later married W, N. Dowell.
Farewell dear children below,
My body to the tomb must go,
And with my Lord soon I shall be;
Prepare for death and follow me.

Felts

William C. Felts was born Oct. 3, 1894. Died Dec. 21, 1930. Age 36 years, 2 months and 18 days. He professed a hope in Christ in Aug. 1914, and joined Cane Creek Baptist church (Wilkes Co. NC) where he lived a consistent member till death.
He was married to Floria Absher in 1913. To this union were born ten children, six of whom are living.
Weep not, dear children, my life is past,
Your love was dear until the last;
Weep not for me, but pity take,
And love each other for my sake.

Holbrook

Sarah J. Caudill Holbrook was born October 19, 1851. Died June 5, 1931. Age 79 years, 7 months and 16 days. She was married to John W. Holbrook December 18, 1870, having been marri 60 years, 5 months and 17 days. Unto this union were born 9 children, five boys and four girls, two of whom preceded her in death.

She professed a hope in Christ in early life and joined the church at Double Creek (Wilkes Co. NC) where she lived a faithful and consecrated member till death.

She was confined to her home by sickness for several years and had to endure a lot of suffering but she endured it patiently until the end.

Her home was a home of welcome to all ministers of the gospel and it seemed to give her great pleasurer to have them visit in the home. Many steps did she take in preparing meals for them, but in so doing believed she was laying up treasure in heaven and at last she will hear the blessed words, “ Inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto Me.” A devoted wife, a loving mother and a kind friend from us is gone but our loss is her eternal gain.
Farewell dear mother, sweet be thy rest,
Till we meet you with the blest.

The funeral service was conducted by Elders A. C. Sidden, I. M. Reeves and D. M. Dillard, after which her body was deposited in the Double Creek cemetery, to await resurrection.

Hutchison

Sherman Hutchison was born march 18, 1903. Died Oct. 19, 1930. He was married to Alice Sidden about seven years ago. To this union were born three children; All are living. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Roaring River Baptist Church (Wilkes Co. NC) September 3o, 1922, where he remained a member until death.

He leaves a wife and three children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, but we trust our loss is his eternal gain.

Pike

John Pike was born June 11, 1862. Died December 30, 1930. Age 68 years, 6 months and 19 days. He married Jane royal in 1892, and unto this union were born 11 children, bur only two are living. He professed a hope in Christ and joined the church at Antioch the third Sunday in September, 1930.

Ross

Nannie Pauline Ross was born Nov. 21, 1927. Died Jan. 17, 1928. Age one month and 26 days.

Marion Spencer Ross was b. March 11, 1931. Died April 10, 1931. Age 1 month.

Funeral services were conducted by elder A. F. Walker and interment was made in Union Hill Cemetery. (Wilkes Co. NC)
Jesus said “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid then not, for of such is the kingdom of God.”
Dear Charlie and Gertrude, do not weep or mourn,
Since God thought it best to take them to rest.
To dwell with them in His heavenly home
Where sorrow and sighing, pain and aches are all past.

Stiller

Sarah Pruitt Stiller was born Jan. 16, 1860. Age 70 years, 2 months and 3 days. She professed ahope in Christ in early life and joined Roaring River Baptist Church; (Wilkes Co.NC) later moved her membership to round Hill Church (Wilkes Co. NC) where she remained a faithful member till death.

She was married to R. S. Stiller October 29, 1881. Unto this union ere born two children who preceded her in death. As a wife, mother and grandmother, friend and neighbor, she filled her sphere to the fullest extent.

Jordan

William C. Jordan was born January 30 1869. Died October 24, 1931. Age 62 years, 8 months and 24 days. He first married Sarah Ann Hughes December 29, 1890. Unto this union was born one son, now living. His wife died several years ago. On January 10, 1910 he unite din marriage with Oma Barker, unto this union no children were born.

He professed a hope in Christ and joined Oak Level Baptist Church (Wilkes Co. NC) on Sunday after the third Saturday in August of 1908. He was a faithful member and a consistent member, always filling his seat at church meeting, and always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy.
My loving wife, don’t grieve for me,
Neither lament nor mourn;
For I shall with Jesus be
When you are left alone.

Walker

Thursia Walker, whose maiden name was Kennedy, was born July 15, 1857. Died March 8, 1928. Age 40 years, 7 months and 23 days. She was married to D. C. Walker March 31, 1907. To this union were born 7 children, 6 of whom are living. She professed a hope in Christ in erly life and joined union Hill Baptist Church, where she remained a consistent member till death.
Surviving are her husband and six children, Rector, Harvey, Floyd, Eula, Alma and Helen.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henseforth;
Yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works to follow them.”
Her spirit has gone to that blessed home
Where the Lord takes care of His own; You loved her in life, you loved her in death,
Prepare to meet wife and mother in rest.

Wiles

Angeline Wiles, whose maiden name was Wheatly was born 1859. Died December 26, 1929. Aged 70 years. She professed a hope in Christ and joined New Covenant Baptist Church: (Wilkes Co. NC) later procured a letter and joined round Hill Church (Wilkes Co. NC) where she remained a faithful member till death.

She married to R. M. Wiles, January 27, 1877, and unto this union were born seven children; five are living.

She was a dear lover of the Bible as evidenced by the fact that she read the Bible through 17 times and the New Testament 59 times.

Wood

Elsa Wood was born December 26, 1847. Died February 22, 1931. He was married to Susan Brown June 16, 1871, unto this union were born four children; three are living.

He professed hope in Christ and joined the church at Round Mountain (Wilkes Co. NC) several years ago, later moved his membership to Center Baptist Church (Wilkes Co. NC) where he remained a consistent member till death.
He has left this world of sadness,
Gone where sorrows are no more,
Gone to meet Jesus and the dear ones,
On the bright Celestial shore.

Layfette Wood was born august 7, 1848. Died March 8, 1931. Age 82 years, 7 months and one day. He professed a faith in Christ at an early age and joined New Covenant Church (Wilkes Co. NC) but later moved his membership to Round Mountain (Wilkes Co. NC) where he remained a faithful member and deacon till death.
He was married first to Lucy Hendricks, to which union were born five children, three of whom are living.
Second marriage was to Molly S. Caudill on April 14, 1907, unto which no children were born.

Wright

William Edward Wright was born March 24, 1866. Died December 18, 1930. He professed a hope in Christ and joined Missionary Baptist Church September 12, 1908; later he joined the Primitive Baptist. Later he was ordained to preach the gospel, and seventeen years he was faithful to his duty, carrying the gospel message to hid people.
He was married to A. L. Park in 1890. To this union were born12 children, 9 of which are living.
Funeral service was conducted by elder A. F. Walker, after which his body was intered in New Hope Cemetery.
“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Wyatt

Sister Saphronia Wyatt was born December 17, 1893, and professed a hope in Christ in early life and on August 6, 1925, joined the church at Center (Wilkes Co. NC) and was baptized by Rev. D. M. Dillard and J. E. Hays, and was a consistent member of this church and very attentive to her church meetings as long as she was able, She lived a quiet, Christian life until death came and called her to her eternal home on April 23rd. 1931.

After all had been done that Medical aid could do Jesus said ”Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” And without a struggle or frown she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. Her stay here on earth was 37 years, 4 months and 6 days. She leaves to mourn their loss a father, three brothers, 7 sisters and a host of friends, but their loss is her eternal gain. Her mother preceded her to the grave July 29, 1913.

A few hours before sister Sophronia departed this life she called the family and relatives to her bedside and bid them good-bye for a little while.
She remarked many times during her sickness that she was ready to go and that ll was well with her soul.
My Jesus, as thou wilt
Oh, may the will be mine;
Into thy hand of love
I would my all resign;
Though with sorrow or though with joy,
Conduct me as thy own,
And help me to say
My Lord, thy will be done.
Written by Elder L. M. Reeves.